To say that I am an advocate for animals would be an understatement. SPCA commercials make me cry and I click, daily, on the website promoting food for animals in need. Strange as it may seem, I find myself more sympathetic toward animals than toward humans - perhaps it is the fact that they are, too often, at the mercy of the human population or just the fact that they can be so utterly adorable! For many years I had a great deal of respect for PETA and their supporters. Fur coats make me nauseous, and Michael Vick should never again be allowed to play football. I, too, feel strongly that we have pets to take care of them, and that the world needs its animals.

Of late I have begun to question the practices of the group that claims to be a savior group of animal advocates. While everyone has the absolute right to feel as they choose to feel, they do not have the right to throw paint all over someone's very expensive apparel. Nor do they have the right to take the livelihood of civil and peaceful monks, who have relied on their egg production for decades as their only form of income. Well, PETA, not only have you robbed the humble monks of Mepkin Abbey of their only livelihood, but you have robbed the surrounding towns of the tradition and pride that was shared. The chickens used for egg production at Mepkin Abbey are (and sadly, were) treated in a very caring and appreciative manner. Where else, might I ask, can you get an egg but from a chicken? The monks and the folks in the surrounding areas truly appreciated the egg production from Mepkin Abbey and the chickens there were not treated inhumanely. In fact, chicken farms across the world should take a lesson from the monks on how to treat and appreciate their chickens. I keep mentioning their deep appreciation, and it is relevant. Chicken farms that house incomplete chickens often take full advantage of the production. There is no interaction with the animals and they are not even cared for, not one ounce of care in comparison with the peaceful monks of Mepkin Abbey.

I have been so lucky to visit Mepkin Abbey and it nearly brought me to tears. There is a grand tradition that lies on those grounds and it is, truly, a beautiful scene. I've seen nowhere else like it in my life and don't anticipate seeing another place as engulfing at Mepkin Abbey. I cannot believe that PETA has targeted this population. For a group that spews generosity they may be humbled to take some of their own advice, and to reevaluate some of their choices. There are animals truly in danger. My suggestion for a PETA advocate would be to volunteer with the local animal rescue organization, or simply make a personal decision to not use animals in any manner. They cannot make the decisions for the entire population yet, in their disturbing efforts to stop production at Mepkin Abbey, they seem to have made the decision for the area that has, for so long, relied on Mepkin Abbey eggs for their breakfasts, salads, and so much more. With a sigh, and with sincere disappointment, I say "Shame on you, PETA." They have turned into grandiose monsters, with egos so large and minds so small.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Winchester.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about When does PETA go too far??
We want to hear your view. Write now!